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Being a Chef and Dealing with Medical Issues

#1
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5/29/08 at 9:44am
  • Joined: April 2006
  • Location: Northern, NJ
  • Post Count: 306
Well as some of you saw i have another topic talking about my Medical issues and I just figured it would be interesting to talk and hear about everyone else in this world that has the same passion and how they deal with their "Medical Issues" and at the same time fulfill their love.

So a little about me: Im 19 ive got Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis which is hard to deal with on its own but when you add stress to these two lovely illnesses it equals long nights, lots of meds, and very very unhealthy situations. I have never had a job outside of a kitchen so i dont even know how to work anywhere else but in this environment. Its hard to deal with but at the same time has made me who I am today. So i wouldnt have it any other way.

"Some of us Cook. Some of us Grow. All of us Eat."

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#2
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5/30/08 at 7:54am
  • Joined: October 2005
  • Location: on the coast
  • Post Count: 512
I hate to be a downer.....but....you might want to find a like, but, different
type of work.....eventually this kind of work is going to really drag you down.
I can empathize with you...have some similar problems.....if you do stick with
it.....more power to you....good luck....
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#3
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5/31/08 at 10:39am
  • Joined: May 2008
  • Location: Victoria BC Canada
  • Post Count: 3
I've worked in kitchens for 30 years and am a celiac.I can't eat most of the things I cook and must get the other staff to help me taste for seasonings in soups and sauces etc.It can be a little hairy putting out food I can not taste.
For years people have complained that I do not put enough salt in my food.
However salt is on the table so all is not lost.
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#4
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6/4/08 at 10:05pm
  • Joined: October 2007
  • Location: just outside of Houston, TX
  • Post Count: 45

stay in good spirits

First off, I'm sorry to hear about your dillema, my grandmother has crohns disease and she had to stop working at the age of 35 or so. It's something that she definately doesnt enjoy but a lot of good things have come out of her not working. The beauty of our profession is that you can cook at home and there are so many different types of establishments that serve food. You could volunteer at places, work part time, cook at home a lot or work at a lower stress place like a retirement home or something of the like. Im sure that you are very passionate about this profession, but your health is faaaaar more important. Good luck with everything.
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#5
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6/6/08 at 2:05pm
  • Joined: February 2008
  • Location: Northern Virginia (DC Met Area)
  • Post Count: 16
I have epilepsy. Although I don't have a lot of full-blown seizures, I do have minor-seizures with more frequency. As I am preparing to be a chef, thinking about the stresses and the long hours that come with being a chef...it gives me pause, because stress and exhaustion can really cause me issues. However...one has to be happy in life. If you have a passion in life, do not let anything get in your way. God forbid, if you were ever to die from your ailment (Which I pray you don't)...at least do it on your own terms...happy and content in the fact that you were having fun. I don't know if what I say helps...but I know for me, I am not going to concern myself if I seriously hurt myself cooking, because I may have a seizure episode. ****...we have more chance dying and killing someone else, driving to our jobs day to day. I'll keep you in prayer.
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#6
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6/6/08 at 4:10pm
  • Joined: April 2006
  • Location: Northern, NJ
  • Post Count: 306
Thank you marc, beleive it or not, that did mean alot to me. I know exactly (well not exactly for close to it) how you feel having a major health issue and having to sit there and question is this a matter of what i want or what i should do? Its a hard thing to do and keep sane at the same time.

As you are in my prayers.

Good luck in your future and best of luck/health. :chef:

"Some of us Cook. Some of us Grow. All of us Eat."

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#7
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6/7/08 at 1:13pm
  • Joined: April 2003
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Post Count: 781
I don't have anything as serious. I have sleep apnea, a condition that causes me to stop breathing at nights. I'm not as bad as the majority but it does take its toll as you wake up every morning after 8 hours of sleep but feeling like its only been 2 or less because your brain is deprived of oxygen and has to basically wake up to get your breathing again. I had to buy a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Presure) machine that forces me to keep breathing while I sleep that set me back a few biggies.

There is usually a way to deal with your disease and/or condition that won't force you to give up what you love to do the most. Keep a bright perspective on things and you may find a solution.
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#8
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6/9/08 at 2:04pm
  • Joined: October 2006
  • Location: Chicago
  • Post Count: 607
It may not be related to this topic per se', but I definitely think this article that outlines the trials that Grant Achatz of Alinea had to overcome once he was diagnosed with tongue cancer is worth sharing.

As a Chicagoain, the diagnosis really hit home, it hit hard, and it hurt.

FOXNews.com - Chef Battles to Regain Taste After Rare Tongue Cancer - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News
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